The new OM-1 Stacked BSI with Quad Pixel AF...

Last updated:- 22nd January 2023

Introduction.

We see the main areas improving when we study the image sensor and how scientists spend R&D dollars. That said, it's good to focus on all these components:-

• Speed (new generation sensors are faster)
• Resolution (the trend is to have more megapixels)
• Sensitivity (Optical & Quantum efficiency - very important)
• Firmware (Sensor and camera CPUs - Image Processors are crucial)
• Sensor Noise Floor (a smaller noise floor with each new generation)

The video discusses the new OM-1 image sensor and why it's a critical development for Micro Four Thirds. We see how Olympus photographers benefited from the OM-1 sensor improvements. We also take a closer look at the new Stacked BSI Image Sensor and why the step to BSI technology.

Camera reviewers never discuss the losses associated with more pixels. For example, any improvements in sensor sensitivity, firmware, or image processing are used to offset the losses from adding more and smaller pixels. OMDS did the opposite and kept the OM-1 resolution the same at 20MP. This pixel count and the new BSI sensor technology made it possible to improve the OM-1 noise performance with up to +2EV and the DR with +1EV. The BSI sensitivity also improved the OM-1's ability to capture detail. These are the benefits of moving from a MOV CMOS to a BSI CMOS sensor.

As seen in the video, it's technically possible to explain why the BSI sensor is better. Looking for similar examples, study the Sony A7 II and A7 III. Like the EM1 and the OM-1, the A7 II / III have the same sensor size and resolution. Like OMDS, Sony also achieved the "standard" BSI noise improvements of +1.5EV and the DR increase of +1EV with the A7 III. 

Olympus EM1 III with 12-200mm lens and Pro Capture function.

In the following example, Sony used the improvements to the new A7 IV image sensor to offset the losses of adding 40% more megapixels. No matter how you view it, pixels come at a price. In other words, except for the additional pixels, the A7 IV image quality stayed similar to the A7 III. This is an example of how much sensors improve from one generation to the next...

It is crucial to challenge those saying stacked BSI sensors have no benefits. Ask for the same detailed information as in this short article and video. It became so easy to randomly drop incorrect statements on social media.

The R&D on the new image sensor started below the surface. Pixels capture Photons, and pixels are the link to Sensor Sensitivity. For example, scientists will target the noise floor of the sensor, and they will focus on Optical and Quantum Efficiency. The stacked configuration improves the operation and speed of both pixels and the image sensor.

Olympus EM1 III with the 12-200mm lens and the Pro Capture function.

Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor with Quad Pixel AF

A big thank you to the forum poster who posted positive feedback on my OM-1 video. Another forum poster asked for information on the "Quad Bayer AF" solution. The information in my video is enough to help photographers understand the Stacked BSI sensor. Obviously, some photographers like to have more, and that is good.

The source is OMDS                   

It is always better to rely on information from manufacturers. For example, see the OM-1 press release further down. You will see OMDS talking about their Cross Quad Pixel AF solution. This is something we can research. Having done that, we see the first Quad Pixel AF solution came from Canon. The Quad Pixel AF is the next level up to the older Canon Dual Pixel AF solution. Dual Pixel AF is similar to the Standard CMOS technology Canon has been using for years.

It could be that OMDS decided to select a new sensor manufacturer to take this new Stacked BSI - Quad Pixel AF sensor with the more powerful Truepic X CPU to the next level. The main benefit of the Cross Quad Pixel AF sensor is speed, accuracy, and a 4D-type AF capability. This improves the Uni-Directional Dual Pixel AF solution from Canon with all its limitations.

3 aspects of the new OM-1 sensor should be discussed more:-

1. Pixels capture Photons, and it is possible to improve image sensors...
2. There is so much more to discover about this amazing new image sensor
3. We are also seeing more excellent images and feedback from OM-1 users

The official OM-1 news release...

Interesting additional reading:-

- Quad Bayer Sensors - what are they and what are they not - link

- Bringing Backside Illumination to high-speed applications - link

- Interesting explanation of the Quad Bayer section and sensors - link

- Also see this info on Wikipedia (Fuji, Bayer, Quad Bayer, and more) - link

- Comparison between front, and back-illuminated sensors - link

- One more site with detail on the sensor - link

- See this discussion on image quality on DPReview - link

- Interesting book if you like to study more - link

- See the Sony A7 III description of the BSI improvements - link

- Here are some OM-1 test images for download from Image Resource - link

- Another article discussing OMDS introducing the Quad Pixel AF solution - link

- Peta Pixel discussing the Quad Pixel AF tech with a typical Canon video - link

- One of the OM-Systems  OM-1 launch videos - one of the better ones - link

- OM-1 Review, a great overview from an existing Olympus photographer - link

- "Size and capture" theory & counter-marketing. Do you trust undisclosed promotions? - link